Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
636. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the cross-departmental work that is being undertaken to support the long-term integration of Ukrainian nationals residing in Ireland under temporary protection, particularly in relation to housing, education, employment and social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45773/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMeasures to transition Ukraine Accommodation Supports and Temporary Protection have been approved by government, in line with the EU Council recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU. The cross-departmental work in this matter is co-ordinated by a Senior Officials Group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach that supports the Cabinet Committee on Migration.
Ireland intends to continue to support people from Ukraine who are beneficiaries of temporary protection.
In recognition of the valuable contribution many people who have come from Ukraine since the outbreak of the war have made, Ireland will introduce an alternative permission to live and work here. This permission will be granted for a period of up to two years, renewable for periods of two years thereafter, with time on the permission counting towards naturalisation.
The changes to the accommodation model will be introduced on a phased basis, with information and support provided to residents. Ongoing supports for people with particular circumstances that would make it difficult for them to manage in independent accommodation will be provided.
Under the Local Integration Model, my Department funds teams of staff in the 31 Local Authorities to provide orientation and community integration supports to a range of humanitarian migrants, including those granted Temporary Protection.
The Model makes use of existing organisations and initiatives, supported by co-ordination and collaboration across government bodies, agencies and NGOs. The LGMA is responsible for coordinating and supporting the Local Authorities in the delivery of integration services.
LAITs provide information, advice and guidance to facilitate access to supports required to participate in Irish life and live independently. They provide connection to services, e.g. healthcare, English language supports, employment and volunteering opportunities, that can help new arrivals to live independently in their community. LAITs do not replace mainstream service provision but support persons in accessing services appropriate to their needs.
Communication and collaboration between the actors in the integration space is facilitated by a Community Integration Forum (CIF) in each Local Authority. CIFs bring together a network of Government and Non-Government Organisations, voluntary and community groups, including LAITs, to collaborate on a community-led integration approach.
CIFs are chaired at a senior level within the Local Authority and provide strategic oversight for the promotion of integration, social inclusion and civic participation of the relevant cohorts.
Furthermore, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how the Government intends to meet the demands and opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade. My Department is working collaboratively with a wide range of other Government departments to develop the strategy with the aim to publish Ireland’s first overarching whole-of-government National Migration and Integration Strategy later this year. A Strategic Migration Policy Group was established in December 2024 to support that work which now consists of ten Government Departments meeting at senior official level.
